The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed the composition of its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term, while also announcing that Hendrik Lesser has been re‑elected to continue serving as the federation’s president. Lesser’s renewed mandate comes at a pivotal moment for the European games sector, as the association prepares to roll out a series of initiatives designed to strengthen the industry’s competitive edge on the global stage. Two notable departures were recorded in the latest reshuffle.
David Rabineau, chief executive officer of the Homo Ludens network, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games, have stepped away from their board responsibilities. Their exits open space for fresh perspectives and new expertise to guide EGDF’s strategic direction. The freshly appointed board now includes a diverse group of professionals representing a broad cross‑section of the European gaming ecosystem: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association, bringing operational leadership and national industry insight. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering a deep understanding of the Nordic development landscape.
- **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing cultural and policy expertise. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, adding a strong focus on business growth and regional collaboration.
- **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, contributing event‑driven networking and indie sector experience. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French industry interests and advocating for creators’ rights. Together, this panel is tasked with advancing the federation’s two‑year agenda, which centers on creating a clear “route to the top of the value chain” for European developers.
The plan emphasizes three core pillars: enhanced access to financing, streamlined talent pipelines, and expanded skill‑building opportunities. In a statement released by EGDF, the organization underscored its commitment to monitoring and nurturing the European game‑development ecosystem. “We will continue to act as a catalyst for collaboration among studios across the continent, while also raising the profile of Europe’s gaming output on the world stage,” the federation said.
This sentiment reflects a broader ambition to position Europe not merely as a production hub but as a thought leader in emerging technologies. One of the most forward‑looking goals highlighted by the federation is its intention to become the first AI‑centric European trade association for games.
Recognising that the gaming sector has historically been an early adopter of artificial‑intelligence tools—from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—the EGDF aims to formalise this advantage. By fostering AI research, encouraging ethical standards, and facilitating knowledge‑sharing among members, the association hopes to set a benchmark for how AI can be responsibly integrated into game creation and distribution.
The timing of these announcements coincides with the release of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). The report paints a robust picture of the continent’s market health: in 2024, European game companies collectively generated €24 billion in revenue, a figure that underscores the sector’s economic significance. Moreover, the industry supports more than 6,600 studios and employs upwards of 95,000 individuals across a wide range of roles, from programming and design to marketing and localization. These statistics not only validate the federation’s strategic focus but also highlight the scale of opportunity that lies ahead.
With a sizable talent pool already in place, EGDF’s initiatives to improve funding pathways could unlock new projects that might otherwise remain unrealised due to capital constraints. By partnering with venture capital firms, public‑private funding schemes, and EU cultural grants, the federation intends to create a more predictable and accessible financial environment for developers of all sizes.
Talent development is another cornerstone of the agenda. The board plans to collaborate with educational institutions, apprenticeship programmes, and industry mentors to bridge the gap between academic training and real‑world studio needs. Initiatives may include scholarship programmes, specialised bootcamps, and cross‑border exchange opportunities that allow emerging creators to gain experience in different cultural and technical settings.
Skill enhancement will be addressed through a series of workshops, webinars, and conference tracks that focus on cutting‑edge topics such as AI‑driven design, sustainable development practices, and inclusive game narratives. By curating content that reflects both current trends and future directions, EGDF hopes to equip its members with the knowledge required to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded global market.
In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a refreshed board signal continuity combined with fresh energy for the European Games Developer Federation. The organization’s dual emphasis on economic empowerment and technological leadership—especially its pioneering AI ambition—positions it to act as a unifying force for developers across Europe. As the sector continues to grow, the federation’s strategic roadmap aims to ensure that European studios not only thrive domestically but also command greater influence and visibility on the international stage.